Top Ten Protection Checklist

"Power outages can have a significant
impact on small to medium-sized businesses. Here are ways to protect your
mission-critical assets." - American Power Conversion

With the latest power blackout still a close memory, it's imperative
that companies back up computers or networks, areas defined as
mission-critical to the business. This is especially true for
individuals and small to medium businesses who may not have the time --
or taken the time - to prepare a disaster plan. Power problems have a
significant impact. For example, a small service firm working on
multiple projects under deadline will lose their work and communications
in-progress (files, e-mails, etc.). That same firm needs to also worry
about what will happen when the power comes back, protecting their
equipment from surges and spikes that often occur. Here is a Top Ten
Protection Checklist for those who want to better plan for the next
outage.

Start with AC Line Surge Protection

At the very least, any "critical" electronics should be protected
from harmful high voltage (surges or spikes). Regular outlet strips
aren't helpful unless they contain a surge suppression capability. Look
for surge protectors with low let-through voltage ratings. How does this
help during a blackout? When the utility restores power, it can
sometimes fluctuate (causing surges, spikes, and sags) until it returns
to normal.

Bulletproof

Surges can enter electronic equipment by any connection leading into
the unit, either by electrical cord, telephone cord, data line, coaxial
cable, etc. Be sure to close off any possible entrance to equipment by
selecting surge protectors with telephone/data line/coax protection
(whatever your particular application calls for).

Think "Runtime"

In addition to basic surge protection, electronics users should
consider those devices they think would benefit from continued operation
in case of an outage. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS, also known
as battery backup) provides battery-supplied backup power during a
blackout. These units can be sized to the anticipated application
according to the amount of VA/watts consumed by the connected devices
and the amount of runtime required. Visit
http://sizing.apc.com for details.

Monitor and Manage

Computer users can benefit from use of a power management software
utility. In tandem with a serial/USB connection to a UPS, power
management software can monitor the quality of power coming into the
user's building, keep a log of any power events, and notify the user
(via pager, e-mail, etc.) if any pre-set threshold has been reached. In
addition, most power management software allows for the ability to
automatically and safely shut down operating systems and certain running
applications, as well as save any data "in progress."

Mobility

In addition to any stationary computer or electronic devices, users
should consider availability solutions for mobile equipment as well,
including laptops, PDAs, cell phones, etc. Notebook computers alone
require power accessories such as removable batteries, power adapters
mobile surge protectors, etc. New solutions include cables to recharge
PDAs and cell phones via a laptop's USB port.

Compatibility

Information technology continues to grow, as do the number of vendors
bringing products to the marketplace. Compatibility is especially
important when trying to keep everything up and running. Your chosen
availability solutions vendor should be able to integrate not only with
a wide array of desktop operating systems, network management tools, and
popular software applications, but also with the wide array of device
plug types, data line connectors, and voltage requirements. Look for a
worldwide leader to ensure the perfect fit for your electronics.

Shutdown Not an Option?

Should your particular application require constant runtime, safe
system shutdown may not be the best option. In such instances, customers
should size their UPS according to the required runtime should the power
go out. Battery backup units range from a few hundred VA (appropriate
for desktop electronics protection) to the millions (for entire facility
protection). For such larger-sized applications, customers have options
as to whether single-phase or three-phase UPSs are the best fit for
their power needs.

Need an Extension?

Many UPS models have the means to add extra batteries to increase
power capacity. This option is available for battery backup units
suitable for desktop, server, networking/telecom equipment, and
environments where power is considered at the rack, row, or room level.

No Obsolescence

Users should have multiple options (both in and out of warranty) for
update or replacement of older power protection solutions. UPS batteries
do eventually wear out, but this occurrence shouldn't mean the end of
the unit's usefulness. Choices vary from easy battery replacement
(handled by the vendor, including return shipment of the used battery
for proper, environmentally friendly disposal), battery replacement with
warranty renewal, or trading an existing unit (even competitive brands)
towards purchase of a new one. Visit
http://www.apcc.com/tools/upgrade_selector for more details.

General Integrator

During the initial moments of a blackout, many business users
anticipate the kick-in of an on-site generator and imagine this to be
sufficient for the normal, continuous operation of their sensitive IT
equipment. Battery backup is still considered a wise investment for
several reasons. Most large on-site generators take time to start up,
requiring a crossover solution until they reach the appropriate power
level. A quality UPS can handle this transition. Also, the operation of
motor-driven generators is typically accompanied by voltage transients.
A quality UPS helps to filter the sags and surges that can harm
sensitive electronic components. The same advice is applicable to
smaller generators meant for home applications.

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